Target to drop the Kindle, continue selling the Nook

Whispers of Target’s decision to stop selling the Amazon Kindle line of devices made their way around the internet last night. The rumors started when a source close to the matter told The Verge that the Minneapolis-based retailer would stop selling the line due to a “conflict of interest,” presumably due to the fact that Target will be opening Apple mini-stores within Target stores in coming months.

This morning, Target responded to a request for comment from The Verge, confirming the news. Starting this spring (i.e., now), Target will stop selling the Kindle tablets, though it will continue to carry some Kindle accessories. In fact, Target’s online website has already taken down its listing for the Kindle devices, leaving store inventories as the only remaining trace of the tablets.

Target will still be carrying the Barnes and Noble Nook series, as indicated by Target’s official response.

“Target continually evaluates its product assortment to deliver the best quality and prices for our guests. Target is phasing out Kindles and Amazon- and Kindle-branded products in the spring of 2012. We will continue to offer our guests a full assortment of ereaders and supporting accessories including the Nook.”

If the move is truly inspired by Target’s partnership with Apple, it lends credence to the fact that Apple views Amazon as a significant threat to Apple’s iPad business. The Kindle Fire is the second best-selling tablet in the world, behind Apple’s iPad. It could also suggest that Apple could have a few tricks up its sleeves yet to be announced, such as the oft-rumored 7-8″ iPad which could be coming as early as this year, if it exists.

My theory is that Apple gives Target a better commission than Amazon, and thus, this is a better business decision. There is more than one reason I suspect though, and the fact that people can buy the Kindle cheaper on Amazon’s website doesn’t help either. I would love having an Apple store to browse as close to me as Target is to where I work at Dish. I I use the Dish Remote Access App on my wife’s iPad2 at home a lot because it is handy when I need to make changes to my account, make timers on the DVR or watch an on demand show when I’m working in the garage. I would love to find a way to justify getting the Retina display on the iPad3.